Dear Ministry Colleagues,

God’s people in the Valley are responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Many of you are involved in relief efforts – too many to list here. But in our role as an equipping organization, we wanted to pass along a few strategic things we are aware of that might be helpful for you to know:

• Important Non-Profit Survey & potential grant: If you are a non-profit/community benefit organization, The Central Valley Community Foundation would like you to take a survey on how the pandemic crisis is affecting your ability to carry out your work and serve your constituency. What they learn will affect the allocation of resources (potential grants to non-profits) very quickly, resources permitting. The survey is found here. 

• Support a Neighborhood Org: During this time we encourage to be in touch with community organizations that have direct contact with what is happening in neighborhoods. These include local CDCs, Community Development Corporation, which are non-profits that provide programs and services directly to neighborhoods. If your congregation would like to support one near your institution, a list is available by emailing info@fresnometmin.org. Put “CDC List” in the subject line.
• Food Distribution:  Fresno Metro Ministry’s Food to Share program is working closely with the Fresno Unified School District Nutrition Center to recover excess food from the FUSD “Grab & Go” breakfast and lunch feeding sites.  They are distributing that food to a network of 49 organizations that feed the hungry in disadvantaged neighborhoods.  If you would like information on becoming a Food to Share Food Receiver site, please email chanel@fresnometmin.org or call 559-485-1416.
• Specialized Response: Some congregations are carving out unique, thoughtful, and very specific forms of service during this time. For example, at a time when some childcare options are reduced due to restrictions on size, First Presbyterian Church is providing childcare for all American Ambulance workers, so they can be available as first responders during this time. Congregations are examining the unique assets they have and creatively applying them for the common good.

Hope this helps, as your ministry seeks to serve compassionately, creatively and intelligently for the sake of the Kingdom. Once again, thank you for the work you do.

Peace and Plenty,

Randy White, D.Min.

Executive Director

FPU Center for Community Transformation

Associate Professor of Community Transformation

Interim Program Director MA CLT Degree

Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary

1717 S Chestnut Ave., Box 12, Fresno, CA 93702

559.453.2366 (office) 559.285.9206 (cell)

Website: www.cctfresno.org